Matt(WA) replied:

Rob,
Should be right but for peace of mind I would fit a trans cooler. Think of those days when your heading up hill on a 35 deg day with a massive head wind. I reckon a trans cooler is decent insurance. Trans cooler now or new gearbox later?
Just my thoughts.
Matt

traveller2 replied:

My dad has the same setup, had to fit a trans cooler but hasn't done anything to the rear suspension, which in my opinion needs to be done as the car is bum down a bit.
He does use those load bars that clip into the hitch and then lift up onto the drawbar on the van though.
His is a Calais which are apparently softer sprung than the executives.

Mikee5 (QLD) replied:

When you say standard towbar, unless it is a square hitch reciever type it may not be rated high enough. The bolt on tongue type towbars are usually only up to 1200kg. Check the compliance plate on the towbar to be sure.

montana replied:

i would get a transmission specialist to do a flow test ,most vs boxes fail because of poor flow/overheating and fit a cooler.also dont use overdrive to much in hilly country.my personal experience with them was replacing 14 boxes over a 3 week period.all where towing from loaded box trailer to large van.

Member - MrBitchi (QLD) replied:

If it has IRS I strongly recommend a set of Polyairs to lift the bum, or you'll wear out rear tyres in a big hurry.

DIO replied:

The VS has a maximum towing capacity of 1590kg and 159kg Tow Ball weight.
Holden DO recommend fitting an auto transmission cooler for sustained high speed/heavy duty or towing applications. (Check your Handbook)
You should ensure that you have a WDH (Weight Distribution Hitch) of at least 250 kg capacity fitted.
The tow bar you will require should be rated at 1590kg with a hitch receiver. This model Commodore (VS) could sometimes be fitted with a 1200 kg rated towbar so it would pay to check your vehicle (if bar already fitted) before proceeding any further. If your vehicle is a sedan, it WILL require strentghening/bracing in the boot. The tow bar installer/supplier will take care of that for you if required.
Air shock absorbers or Poly Air Bags will NOT increase the carrying capacity of your (or any) vehicle. They will assist in re-positioning the rear of the vehicle to a more acceptable ride height.
As already stated, your model, with independent rear suspension, may be susceptible to prematurely scrubbing (wearing on the inside) rear tyres. I believe that there could be a rear camber kit that could be fitted that offers a degree of adjustment to help compensate for this problem. It will not however reduce wear on your rear tyres when towing or carrying very heavy loads. This is why it is CRITICAL to get sound (expert) advice on the matter and have a correctly installed (and capabale) WDH. I would strongly advise consulting a Haymen Reece agent for such help.
The vehicle, a V6 if in reasonable state of repair/condition IS capable of towing the weight(s) you suggest, however as sedan (stn sedan) type vehicles were not designed to tow such weights, you need to be mindful of such limitations when ascending (and indeed descending) steep hills. You should also ensure that the brakes on your van (preferably electric) are fully functioning otherwise the added weight will place extreme demands on your tow vehicle.Take it easy, place the transmission selector into 3rd and ensure that both it and PWR switch is DE-SELECTED at all times when towing. Yes you will use more fuel (perhaps 50% - 100%) depending on conditions and how you choose to drive.
If you do not exceed the maximum tow ball weight (10%) of 159kg and your van is sensibly packed and balanced then the WDH will assist in ensuring that you have a smooth and safe journey. Good luck with it.

Member - barry F (NSW) replied:

If you follow the advise given by DIO, not only will you and your family be safe, but so will all the rest of us road users. It amazes me how many people think that weight disribution bars are not necessary.

Ianw replied:

Do, repeat DO fit a trans oil cooler. Don't, repeat DON'T tow in 3rd gear. Use Drive. Had a 90 model auto 4spd Falcon a while ago, towing similar weight van, went 1000ks in D no probs, called in for a service at a country town, was told to tow only in 3rd. OK I thought, you're the expert, did as I was advised. 150 ks down the road, CLUNK, dropped back a gear at 100 ks, then up a gear, CLUNK, down a gear etc etc. Trans overheated. (Recon boxes are $2400. ) What you have to consider is that the trans is working much harder in 3rd because the converter cannot lock. Therefore it WILL overheat. When I got it home (lots of clunks and gearchanges later) I happened to be reading the owners manual. Guess what it says. Towing limit without oil cooler fitted is 534 kgs (or similar). I presume Commodore trans may be similarly rated. And they are expensive to fix/replace!! Oil coolers are cheap.

Ian

Robbg replied:

Thanks everyone. I'll certainly check the compliance plate on the tow bar (it has a Hayman Reece sticker on it but it's not the square receiver type). I'll also investigate a trans cooler. Who's a good crowd to speak to - Fluidrive? Rob.